RCB Retained Players for WPL 2026
After Mumbai Indians lifted the WPL 2025 trophy, all eyes are now on the Women’s Premier League 2026 mega auction. The defending champions of 2024, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), have officially released most of their squad, choosing to retain only four key players for the upcoming season.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s been retained and the reasons behind RCB’s strategic move.
⚙️ Retention Rules and RCB’s Decision
As per WPL regulations, each franchise can retain up to five players before the mega auction — but one of them must be an uncapped player (someone who hasn’t yet represented the national team).
However, since most of RCB’s roster consists of capped players and the uncapped performers from last season didn’t meet expectations, the management decided to hold on to only four core players. The team still has the option to use one RTM (Right to Match) card during the auction.
🌟 RCB’s Retained Players for WPL 2026
1️⃣ Smriti Mandhana – Captain
The face of RCB Women and the team’s captain, Smriti Mandhana, remains their top retention pick. Reportedly, she will earn around ₹3.5 crore this season. Known for her explosive starts and leadership skills, Smriti is expected to continue guiding RCB with both bat and strategy.
2️⃣ Ellyse Perry – All-Rounder
Australian superstar Ellyse Perry has been retained for ₹2.5 crore. Her consistent performances with both bat and ball make her one of RCB’s most valuable players. Perry’s experience and calm presence in pressure situations will be vital once again.
3️⃣ Richa Ghosh – Wicketkeeper-Batter
Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh has been retained for ₹1.75 crore. Having represented RCB in all three previous seasons, Richa’s powerful stroke play and safe hands behind the stumps make her a natural choice for retention.
4️⃣ Shreyanka Patil – All-Rounder
Local star Shreyanka Patil continues with RCB for ₹1 crore. The young all-rounder impressed fans and selectors alike with her aggressive spin bowling and useful lower-order batting. She’s seen as one of the brightest Indian prospects in women’s cricket.
💬 Summary
RCB’s decision to retain a compact, experienced core signals their intent to build a more balanced and effective squad for WPL 2026. With Smriti, Perry, Richa, and Shreyanka forming the backbone, RCB fans can expect another strong run in the tournament.
✅ Quick Recap:
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Total retained: 4 players
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RCB Retained List: Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil
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RTM card: 1 available for auction use